Energy consumption in Southeast Asia has doubled in just over two decades. With annual economic growth exceeding 4%, the region can expect energy demand to rise further in the years ahead. This regional market analysis from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) examines the challenges of economic and population growth, the need to boost energy supply, and growing environmental and energy security concerns.

The region relies heavily on fossil fuels, both for power generation and transportation. Yet some 65 million people in the region (as of 2017-2018) lack adequate or reliable electricity access. Chapter 2 analyses the regional energy landscape as countries strive to diversify with more renewables.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has agreed on a 23% target for sustainable, modern renewables by 2025. Chapter 4 highlights regional and national targets and examines the policy and institutional frameworks for scaling up renewables across the region.

IRENA’s Renewable Energy Market Analysis series captures knowledge and experience from different regions and identifies emerging public policy and market development trends. The first two editions covered the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) region (2015) and Latin America (2016).